Karen Sigel, MAOM, LAc, ACN
4827 Zachary Lane
Sugar Land, TX 77479
United States
ph: 281-222-9588
karen
Headaches are a very common complaint and are caused by a wide variety of conditions. Fortunately, acupuncture and herbal medicine are very effective in treating headaches. The majority of headaches are not life-threatening and their main threat is the pain itself.
However, there are other very serious, life-threatening causes for headaches such as brain tumors, stroke, high blood pressure, etc. It is very important to see your physician as soon as possible to rule out any of these conditions before seeking acupuncture treatment.
Headaches can be broken down into several types or causes including:
Migraine
Migraines typically begin between the ages of 10-40 years and occur 3 times more often in women than in men. Attacks may or may not be preceded by symptoms that alert the patient to the onset of the migraine such as mood changes – depression, irritability, restlessness, etc. as well as other symptoms such as visual changes – an “aura”, tunnel vision, spots, flashes of light or geometric patterns etc., nausea before or during the headache itself, an aversion to bright light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia).
The pain is moderate to severe, throbbing and usually felt on one side of the head. The pain can last from hours to days. The migraine may be worsened by physical activity, light, sounds or smells and are usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Dietary triggers can be a major factor in migraines and a careful examination of one’s diet is always indicated. Foods that can trigger a migraine include alcohol, sulfates in wine, foods containing MSG, tyramine in aged cheeses and nitrates and nitrites in processed meats. Patients are urged to maintain a food journal to identify migraine pattern and triggers.
Tension Headaches
A typical tension headache is thought to arise from stress. The pain is usually mild to moderate and described like a “band” tightening around the whole head. The pain can last from minutes to a week. This type of headache is not associated with any nausea or vomiting and is not made worse by physical activity, light, sounds, etc. as is a migraine.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are rather rare, affecting about 1 to 4 people per 1,000. Men are more affected than women and onset usually begins after the age of 30. Alcohol or nicotine use may trigger attacks. The headache may begin with itching or a discharge from one nostril with severe pain on the same side of the head at the temple and spreading round the eye
Attacks are sudden and last from minutes to hours and can occur from a couple of times a week to several times per day usually in groups (clusters) for a 6 to 8 week period followed by headache-free periods lasting up to several months.
Sinus Disorders
Sinus headaches involve generalized swelling of tissues lining the sinus cavities. Mucus then accumulates and pressure, pain and infections can follow. The pain is severe and may be dull or sharp. It is felt at the front of the head and may begin suddenly and last only a short time, or may begin gradually and be persistent. The headache is usually worse in the morning and less severe in the afternoon. Cold, damp weather and lying down make the pain worse.
We are proud to carry Standard Process & Mediherb Products
My treatment process does not include drugs or unnatural hormones but does include gentle healing arts and lifestyle changes as may be appropriate.
If you are looking for a safe, effective and drug-free treatment that is conducted in a peaceful and respectful manner; where the time is taken to fully listen to you and your concerns, then contact Karen
Call Today!
281-222-9588
The information contained in this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition.
All rights reserved.
Karen Sigel, MAOM, LAc, ACN
4827 Zachary Lane
Sugar Land, TX 77479
United States
ph: 281-222-9588
karen